Beware of scoliosis developing in your child
The other day I had a patient bring in her 9 year old daughter to be examined for scoliosis. She told me that her pediatrician diagnosed her daughter with scoliosis but since it was minimal she didn’t think it was necessary to refer to a chiropractor. My patient obviously knew better since she brought her in for an evaluation.
After developing her x-rays we measured a 10 degree curvature (using Cobbs method) in the thoracic spine. In the medical world, curvatures under 20 degrees are usually considered minimal and treatment options are usually not offered nor is it recommended. Scoliosis is a very misunderstood condition and is often misdiagnosed. There are a large number of children who are not properly examined for scoliosis and the effects of it does not become apparent until they become adults. Many adult patients who have scoliosis usually have a list of aches and pain with it. In many of these cases we can offer relief of pinched nerves and an increased quality of life but in children, more options of correction and reduction of scoliotic curves are available. Most cases of mild scoliosis found in children in our office we gentle adjust the spine while having the child perform exercises in order to reduce the curvature. Majority of these cases the X-ray taken after a couple months of treatment shows a reduction of the curvature and improvement in motion and flexibility.
You should consult a chiropractor for examination of scoliosis of your child under the following circumstances:
- There is history of scoliosis in your family. Scoliosis is heredity and should be found as early as possible
- The child’s school has suggested your child might have scoliosis after being screened
- Your pediatrician suspects a mild curvature in the spine and does not recommend a brace
- If you notice your child’s posture is abnormal (a higher hip, shoulder or tilted head on one side)
- If you notice a curvature in your child’s spine when they bend forward to touch their toes
If you have any more questions on this subject contact me at drhaque [at] haquechiropractic [dot] com
